Two Custody Deputies Attacked in Santa Barbara County Jail Days After Sheriff Administration Announced Staffing Reduction

SANTA BARBARA, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 27, 2014) - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff Administration staff reduced staffing in county jail on February 7, 2014 implemented by Sheriff Bill Brown. Days after, the attack of two custody deputies occurred on February 9, 2014.

This attack came days after Sheriff Bill Brown approved new minimum staffing levels in the Santa Barbara Main Jail. On February 15, 2014 Sheriff Administration authorized a news release regarding the incident that included a statement claiming the jail was fully staffed. At the time of the attack, The Santa Barbara Jail did not have sufficient deputies on duty to meet original minimum staffing requirements.

The Santa Barbara custody deputies were attacked in the northwest housing module of the Main Jail at 7:15 P.M. PT and worked together to restrain the inmate while waiting for fellow custody deputies to respond to the incident. The custody deputies are currently members of the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs' Association (SBCDSA).

The members of the Santa Barbara Sheriff Department have sworn the Oath of Office to protect the Constitution and enforce the laws for both general public and for the citizens who are incarcerated.

"We express regret and apologize for the incident that occurred this month at the jail," said Chris Corbett, President of the SBCDSA. "We [members of the SBCDSA] believe that the Sheriff Administration is not adequately staffing the Main Jail and has created a hazardous environment for both the staff and citizens housed there. Of course, law enforcement realizes the dangers inherent with the job, but we expect safe staffing levels consistent with expert recommendations."

The Santa Barbara Main Jail currently houses inmates sentenced to state prison, inmates sentenced to county jail incarceration, and citizens who are awaiting trial. The SBCDSA has communicated their concerns to Sheriff Bill Brown and will continue to work to find a solution.

Members of the SBCDSA continue to support their community and provide support for additional security measures to ensure that citizens remain safe. For more information about partnering with the SBCDSA or to learn more about how the SBCDSA serves their local communities, visit www.sbcdsa.org.

About The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs' Association

Formed in 1971, the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs' Association (SBCDSA) represents the more than 460 dedicated and professional members of the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department and District Attorney Investigators. The SBCDSA serves to advance the interests of the professionals represented by the SBCDSA and the community it serves through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education.